🌿 "Birthplace of Phnom Penh: The Legendary Wat Phnom"

#summervacay
### **📍 Location:**
Norodom Blvd & Street 96 (City's namesake hill)

### **⏰ Opening Hours:**
7AM-6:30PM (Sunrise/sunset magic hours)

### **💰 Budget Breakdown:**
- **Entrance:** Free (Donation box at summit)
- **Transport:**
- Cyclo ride: $3 (nostalgic approach)
- Riverside walk: 15min from Sisowath Quay
- **Extras:**
- Flower offering: $1
- Fortune teller: $2

**⏳ Time Needed:** 45-90 minutes

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### **🐘 Why This Temple Rocks:**
1️⃣ **Legend says** Lady Penh founded the city here in 1372
2️⃣ **Active shrine** where locals pray for exam/lottery success
3️⃣ **Best city views** without skyscrapers

**🙏 Sacred Encounters:**
- **Main stupa** with ancient Buddha relics
- **Colorful naga staircases**
- **Happy elephant statues** (Rub for luck!)

**💡 Solo Explorer Tips:**
✔️ **Wednesday/Sunday** = most lively with devotees
✔️ **Sunrise** brings chanting monks + market vendors
✔️ **Dress respectfully** (knees/shoulders covered)
✔️ **Night visits** = magical lighting (safe with crowds)

**📸 Secret Shots:**
◼️ Framing stupa through frangipani trees
◼️ Elderly devotees lighting incense coils
◼️ Sunset over Chroy Changvar bridge

**🐒 Nearby Bonus:**
- **Statue of Lady Penh** (NE corner)
- **Riverside park** (perfect post-visit stroll)

#phnomphenoriginstory #urbantemple #citysanctuary

**"Where every step upward traces 650 years of history - and the heartbeat of modern Cambodia."**

*(Psst... The hill is exactly 27m high - same as Bayon's towers!)*

**🌳 Eco-Note:** Look for rescued wildlife in temple trees - macaques & exotic birds often visit!